EU disease agency predicts spike in COVID cases by Aug 1

The EU’s disease agency said Friday it was predicting a sharp increase in coronavirus cases, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1. The expected rise in cases was linked to the highly-transmissible Delta variant, first identified in India, along with the relaxing of measures in European countries. In its coverage area—which […]

Restrictions easing in US and Europe amid disaster in India

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Air travel in the U.S. hit its highest mark since COVID-19 took hold more than 13 months ago, while European Union officials are proposing to ease restrictions on visitors to the continent as the vaccine sends new cases and deaths tumbling in more affluent countries. The improving picture in many places contrasts […]

Toward a reliable oral treatment for sickle cell disease

For the millions of people worldwide who have sickle cell disease, there are only a few treatment options, which include risky bone marrow transplants, gene therapy or other treatments that address a subset of symptoms. Today, researchers will describe the discovery of a small molecule with the potential to address the root cause of sickle […]

Can diet help with inflammatory bowel disease?

More than 6.8 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is believed to be the result of a malfunctioning immune system, which results in an inappropriate immune response that attacks the lining of the intestines. There is no cure and no exact cause, though researchers continue to look […]

Study projects significant savings from potential Alzheimer’s disease treatment

Alzheimer’s disease treatments that slow progression of the disease could significantly reduce the financial burden to U.S. state budgets, according to a new USC study. The study outlines how states—which have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic—would see relief: Medicare would cover the costs of treating the disease, while Medicaid expenditures would be […]

Study ratifies link of processed meat to cardiovascular disease and death

A global study led by Hamilton scientists has found a link between eating processed meat and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The same study did not find the same link with unprocessed red meat or poultry. The information comes from the diets and health outcomes of 134,297 people from 21 countries spanning five continents, […]

Inflammatory bowel disease may up risk for psychiatric disorders

(HealthDay)—Adult-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk for psychiatric disorders and suicide attempts, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis. Jonas F. Ludvigsson, M.D., from the Karolinska Institutet in Solna, Sweden, and colleagues assessed the risk for psychiatric morbidity and suicide in adult-onset […]

Viagra may prolong life for men with coronary artery disease

Men with stable coronary artery disease who are on Viagra due to impotence seem to live longer and have a lower risk of experiencing a new heart attack, a study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports. Impotence can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular […]

‘Germ Hunters’ discover rare disease in rural Alberta

A rare pulmonary disease that is linked to bats has made Alberta home, according to new research led by provincial lab scientists. Infectious disease experts at Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) and the University of Alberta have confirmed that histoplasmosis—a fungal infection transmitted through bat and bird droppings—is now found in Alberta. Their study extends the […]

Risk for chronic kidney disease even more critical due to COVID-19 pandemic

An estimated 1 in 10 people worldwide have chronic kidney disease, but most of them don’t know it. That lack of awareness is especially concerning because people with chronic kidney disease who are infected with COVID-19 are at higher risk for serious illness. It is important that people understand their risk for developing chronic kidney […]